Method and installation for automatic handling of bag systems

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a method for automatic handling of bag systems ( 3 ) in an installation and said installation. The method comprises steps which consist in: loading at least a bag system ( 3 ) in a handling device ( 2 ), said bag system ( 3 ) being in a position such that no filtering of the fluid will take place; automatically actuating the handling device ( 2 ) so that the bag system ( 3 ) is handled to a position wherein filtering occurs; unloading the bag system ( 3 ) present in the handling device ( 2 ) when all the filtrate is received in the secondary bag ( 36 ).

[0001] The invention concerns an automatic handling system for at leastone bag system in an installation and the said installation.

[0002] It applies typically to the case where a fluid, particularly abody fluid, such as blood or a blood component has to be filtered afterbeing collected in the primary bag of a bag system.

[0003] Accordingly, the bag system comprises, in addition to the primarybag and connected to it in series by means of tubes, at least onefiltration unit and at least one secondary bag intended to collect thefiltrate.

[0004] Filtration by handling, particularly by homogenizing the contentsof the primary bag and by turning it manually, the bag system so thatthe fluid flows from the primary bag to the secondary bag by gravitythrough the filtration unit is known.

[0005] But where a large number of such bag systems have to be handled,this method is very time-consuming.

[0006] Furthermore, in the field of the filtration of blood, the timebetween the collection of blood and its filtration must be monitoredaccurately to ensure that the filtrate is of high quality.

[0007] The manual method described above does not provide for suchaccurate monitoring, particularly for a large number of bag systems.

[0008] In addition, human intervention is a source of errors and doesnot allow for satisfactory traceability of bag systems and theircontents, particularly in terms of the time between collection andfiltration and in terms of filtration time.

[0009] The invention is therefore intended to overcome thesedisadvantages by providing a bag system handling process in aninstallation which is compact in terms of the number of systems handled,in which human intervention is limited to loading and unloading bagsystems before and after filtration respectively and in which bagsystems are handled automatically, thus providing for the monitoring ofthe time between collection and filtration of the fluid.

[0010] Accordingly, and according to one aspect, the invention providesa automatic handling process for at least one bag system in aninstallation; the said bag system comprising at least one primary bagcontaining a fluid, particularly a body fluid, for example blood or ablood component, at least one filtration unit and at least one secondarybag to collect the filtrate, the said process comprising the followingsteps:

[0011] loading at least one bag system into a handling device, the saidbag system being in a position such that filtration of the fluid doesnot occur;

[0012] automatic activation of the handling device so that the bagsystem is handled to a position in which the fluid flows from theprimary bag to the secondary bag passing through the filtration unit, tofilter the fluid at a pre-determined time;

[0013] unloading the bag system in the handling device when the filtratehas been collected in the secondary bag.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the process includes, prior to theactivation of the handling device, a storage step for the bag systemassociated with the said device for a pre-determined time. For example,the storage step is performed by transferring the bag system associatedwith the said handling device to a first storage area.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the step of activation of thehandling device is preceded by a step during which the contents of thebag system are agitated, particularly that of the primary bag. Forexample, the agitation step may be performed by partial activation ofthe handling device.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the process includes, after theactivation of the handling device, a step for storing in the bag systemassociated with the said device for the time required to filter almostall the fluid. For example, the storage step is performed bytransferring the bag system associated with the said handling device toa second storage area.

[0017] As a variant, the end of the storage step is controlled by meansfor detecting the end of filtration.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the process also includes one ormore steps of identification of the bag system and/or handling device inthe installation. For example, the identification step includes thereading and/or recording of data concerning the handling device, the bagsystem, the contents of the primary bag and the personnel that used thebag system.

[0019] As a variant, the data are contained in an electronic deviceassociated with the handling device and/or the bag system, the varioussteps being controlled as a function of data read during theidentification step.

[0020] As a variant, an identification step is performed when loadingthe bag system into the installation to read, in particular, dataconcerning the contents of the primary bag, the time for the activationof the handling device may be controlled as a function of data readduring the identification step and, in particular, according to thesampling time. In addition, the activation of the handling device mayalso be controlled as a function of the temperature of the fluid to befiltered.

[0021] As a variant, an identification step is performed when unloadingthe bag system, particularly to record data concerning the filtration.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a plurality of bag systems arehandled in the same handling device; for example, between 10 and 30 bagsystems and multiple bag systems are handled in the same installation atthe same time. For example, between 500 and 5000 bag systems.

[0023] According to a second aspect, the invention provides aninstallation to implement the process described above, which includes:

[0024] a handling device capable of receiving at least one bag system,

[0025] means of activation capable of activating the handling devicefrom a position in which the fluid in the associated bag system is notfiltered to a position in which filtration occurs;

[0026] an area for loading the bag system into the handling device;

[0027] an area for unloading the bag system associated with the handlingdevice;

[0028] an area for activating the handling device in which activationmeans are provided;

[0029] the said installation comprising at least one, main, motorizedrunning track along which the handling device is moved from the loadingarea to the unloading area, through the activation area, and at leastone unit for controlling the movements of the handling device.

[0030] According to one variant, the loading and unloading areas are thesame.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the installation further comprises afirst and a second storage areas, in which the bag system associatedwith the handling device is stored before and after filtrationrespectively. In this case, the storage areas may be formed by at leastone section of the secondary, motorized running track.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the installation also comprises anarea for the agitation of the contents of the bag system, the saidagitation area being fitted with agitation means. For example, theagitation area is identical to the area for the activation of thehandling device and the activation means are also agitation means.

[0033] According to variants, the installation may also include:

[0034] means for detecting the completion of filtration, the saiddetection means being connected to the control unit;

[0035] means for identification of the bag system and/or the handlingdevice capable of reading and/or writing data from into the electronicdevice associated with the said bag system, the said means ofidentification being connected to the control unit.

[0036] Means for determining the temperature of the fluid to befiltered, the said determination means being connected to the controlunit,

[0037] Other purposes and advantages of the invention shall appearduring the description below, with reference to the drawings appended.

[0038]FIG. 1 shows a top view in diagrammatic form of the fixedstructure of an automatic handling installation according to theinvention, including a main, motorized running track, which is a closedloop and nine sections of secondary, motorized track, which are laidperpendicular to the longest section of the said loop.

[0039]FIG. 2 shows a side view in diagrammatic form of an embodiment ofa handling device for ten bag systems, each comprising a primary bag, afiltration unit and a secondary bag, the said device being suspendedfrom the main running track.

[0040]FIG. 3 is a profile view of the handling device shown in FIG. 2.

[0041]FIG. 4 shows a side view in diagrammatic form of two handlingdevices similar to those shown in FIG. 2 and which move together, onebehind the other, on the main running track.

[0042]FIG. 5 shows a side view in diagrammatic form of five handlingdevices similar to that shown in FIG. 2, on a section of secondary trackforming the storage area.

[0043]FIG. 6 shows a top view in diagrammatic form of an embodiment ofthe means to agitate the contents of the bag system associated with ahandling device according to FIG. 2.

[0044]FIGS. 7a to 7 c show side views in diagrammatic form of anembodiment of activation means capable of activating a handling deviceaccording to FIG. 2, from a position in which the fluid in theassociated bag system is not filtered to a position in which the fluidis filtered, and three steps of this operation.

[0045] An automatic handling installation according to the inventionincludes a fixed structure 1 and handling devices 2, in which the bagsystems 3 are held.

[0046] The handling devices 2 are associated with the fixed structure 1so that they may be moved along the said structure 1 on the one handand, activated to filter the fluid on the other hand.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the handling devices 2are transferred along the fixed structure 1 overhead, that is thehandling devices 2 are suspended from the fixed structure 1 withouttouching the floor 4 on which the fixed structure 1 is installed.

[0048] However, another form of transfer is possible, particularly byplacing the handling devices 2 on a conveyor, for example of the endlessbelt type, or by ensuring that the handling devices 2 can be moved onthe ground, by means of wheels for example.

[0049] The fixed structure 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular,includes two types of rail, the first of which 5 is installedsubstantially over the second one 6. The two types of rails 5, 6 arecombined at a given distance from each other and are supported by acarrier structure 7. The first type of rail 5 is intended to allow forthe driving of handling devices 2, it is therefore known as the“tractor”, whereas the second type 6, is intended to support thehandling devices 2 suspended from it, and is therefore known as the“carrier”.

[0050] The rails of the first and second types 5, 6 are, for example,made of steel or similar, so as to be capable of withstanding the forcesset up by the weight and movement of the handling devices 2. The rails5, 6 are either straight or curved and are welded together for example,to form running and drive tracks for the handling devices 2.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fixed structure 1 includesa main motorized running track 8, which is a closed loop and ninesections of secondary motorized track 9, which are placed substantiallyperpendicularly to the longest section of the said loop.

[0052] The fixed structure 1 is maintained at a height greater than thatof the handling devices 2 by means of posts 10 mounted in the floor 4,so that the said devices 2 can move freely without touching the floor 4.

[0053] Although this embodiment is not described specifically here, thefixed structure 1 may include more than one main track 8 and a differentnumber of secondary tracks 9, which may be laid out differently inrelation to each other.

[0054] In fact, those skilled in the art may adjust the architecture ofthe fixed structure 1 according to its specific constraints and, inparticular, the number of handling devices 2, the nature of the fluidsto be filtered, the presence of storage areas and the location for theinstallation.

[0055] In the embodiment described, the handling devices 2 moving on themain track 8 may be diverted by means of a switching system 11 to one ofthe secondary tracks 9 and vice versa.

[0056] Accordingly, a switching system 11 is provided at eachintersection between a secondary track 9 and the main track 8; that is,at the end of each of the secondary tracks 9.

[0057] The drive of the main running track 8 and secondary tracks 10 inthe form of a drive device combined with the tractor rail 5 is describedhereinunder.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, this device includes a closedloop cable 12 which is driven in translation in parallel to the tractorrail 5, by means of a motor 13.

[0059] Accordingly, the main track 8 comprises a motor-driven pulley 14and three idler pulleys 15 and each of the secondary tracks 9 comprisesa motor-driven pulley 14 and an idler pulley 15. In this case, themovement of the handling devices 2 along the main track 8 is circularwhilst that along a secondary track 9 is linear between two points onthe main track 8 respectively, in the direction shown by the arrows inFIG. 1.

[0060] Mobiles 16 are fixed on to the cable 12 so that they are moved byit. The mobiles 16 comprise wheels 17, which are laid in the groove 18of the tractor rail 5 so that the mobile 16 is guided during itsmovements. In addition, the mobile 16 comprises gripping means 19extending towards the carrier rail 6 and which are capable of engagingan additional part associated with a handling device 2 to transfer themovement of the cable 12 of the said device 2.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2 in particular, the gripping means 19 consistof folding fingers 20 which are activated from a position in which theyengage in a dog point 21 of a handling device 2 to a position in whichthey are disengaged and vice versa.

[0062] The gripping means 19 may be activated by a system of cams (notshown) which is supported by a moving part thus enabling the foldingfingers 20 to move so that they engage/disengage in dog point 21.

[0063] In this example, the switching systems 11 include systems of camsto engage/disengage the dog points 21 of the handling devices 2 of themain running track 8 when changing track.

[0064] The number and/or position of the mobiles 16 on the cable 12 isdefined particularly depending on the number of handling devices 2 andthe type of movements required. For example, the mobiles 16 may bearranged equidistant from each other so that the distance between twosuccessive devices 2 is defined and fixed. This distance may bedifferent depending on the tracks concerned, particularly that betweenthe main track 8 and the secondary tracks 9.

[0065] An embodiment of a handling device 2 according to the inventionis described below, in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular.

[0066] The handling device 2 comprises a frame made up of three crossmembers made of steel or similar, for example top 22, left 23 and right24 cross members respectively, forming three sides of a rectangle.

[0067] Two hangers 25, 26 are secured to the outer face of the top crossmember 22 to allow for the attachment of the handling device 2 on thecarrier rail 6 of the fixed structure 1.

[0068] Accordingly, the end of the hangers opposite the upper crossmember 22 is fitted with wheels 27 which are engaged in groove 28 of thecarrier rail 6 to guide the movements of the handling device 2.

[0069] A dog point 21 is installed on one of the hangers 26 near thewheels 27 and projects from the groove 28 of the carrier rail 6, toenable it to engage in the gripping means 19 of the mobile 16, asdescribed above.

[0070] In the embodiment, the hanger 26 comprising the dog point 21 istherefore active in terms of the movement of the handling device 2whilst the other hanger 25 is passive.

[0071] Nevertheless a different number of active and/or passive hangers25,26 may be provided.

[0072] Within this framework and associated with the left cross member23 on the one hand and the right cross member 24 on the other hand, tworotating shafts 29,30 are provided. The two shafts 29,30 aresubstantially parallel and spaced at a distance D apart.

[0073] Each end of the shafts 29,30 is fitted with a toothed wheel 31capable of being fitted with a chain 32 to control the rotation of eachof the two shafts 29,30. Although the embodiment described comprises twochains 32 and four toothed wheels 31, only one chain 32 and two toothedwheels 31 may be provided or another device to control the rotation ofthe two shafts 29,30 may be devised by those skilled in the art.

[0074] Each of the shafts 29,30 comprises means of attachment 33 for thebag systems 3. For example, the bags of a bag systems 3 conventionallyinclude eyelets in which a hook forming the means of attachment 33 maybe inserted.

[0075] In the embodiment shown, ten means of attachment 33 are providedon each shaft 29,30, opposite each other, so as to be able to associateten bag systems 3 in each handling device 2.

[0076] The bag systems 1 comprise a primary bag containing fluid,particularly a body fluid, for example blood or a blood component, atleast one filtration unit 35 and one secondary bag 36 to collect thefiltrate, the bags 34,36 and the filtration unit 35 being connected toeach other by tubes 37.

[0077] In this case, the installation may be a closed circuit withfiltration and collection of the filtered fluid being carried out whenthe handling device 2 is activated.

[0078] When loading the bag system 1, the primary bag 34 is associatedwith the lower shaft 30 and the secondary bag 36 with the top shaft 29by means of attachment means 33 (see FIG. 2). In this position,filtration of the fluid by gravity does not take place.

[0079] In the embodiment shown, the ten bag systems 3 are placedsubstantially in parallel to each other with their filtration unit 35between the two shafts 29,30; the space defined between the two shafts29,30 being empty. However, an endless belt may be provided to supportthe filtration units 35.

[0080] The bag systems 3 may be identical and/or different, inparticular, they may include other bags, other filtration units or anyother devices required to treat the fluid before and/or afterfiltration.

[0081] In a special example, the primary bag 34 contains whole blood andthe filtration unit 35 is capable of eliminating leucocytes. In thiscase, the bag system 3 may also include a first and a second satellitebags connected in series to the secondary bag. In this embodiment, thefiltration is carried out in an installation according to the inventionthen, after unloading the bag system 3, the secondary bag 36 iscentrifuged to collect the red blood cell concentrate and the plasma inthe first and secondary satellite bags respectively.

[0082] Depending on the nature and/or the geometry of the bag systems 3to be installed in the handling devices 2, the distance D may beadjustable, in particular, by providing adjustment means capable ofhaving shafts 29 or 30 slide in relation to each other.

[0083] The operation of such a handling device 2 using a first jack 38and a second jack 39, of the pneumatic or rack and pinion type forexample(see FIGS. 7a to 7 c) is described below.

[0084] The jacks 38,39 are installed in an area of the installation,known as the activation area 40 of the handling device 2, in which thegripping means 19 are disengaged so that the said device 3 cannot bemoved.

[0085] The chains 32 are fitted with means forming sockets for the rod42 of the jacks 38,39, for example in the form of stops 41 a, 41 b,which project from the handling device 2. There are, for example, twostops 41 a, 41 b and they are installed on one of the chains 32, at adistance approximately equal to D.

[0086]FIG. 7a shows the handling device 2 in a position in which thefluid is not filtered. In this position, the primary bag 34 is installedabove the secondary bag 36 so that the fluid cannot flow between the twobags 34, 36 by gravity.

[0087] To activate the handling device 2, the first jack 38 engages onthe top stop 41 a to move it over a distance of D, the second jack 39being disengaged.

[0088] During this movement, the stop 41 a drives the chain 32 andtherefore the two shafts 29, 30 through toothed wheels 31 and thereforethe associated bag systems 3. The bag systems 3 are now in a position(FIG. 7b) in which the primary bag 34 is above the secondary bag 36 sothat the fluid flows and is therefore filtered by gravity.

[0089] In a third step, the first jack 38 is disengaged and the secondjack 39 is engaged on the second stop 41 b. The first jack 38 is movedtowards its initial position whilst the second jack 39 is moved tocomplete the turning of the bag systems 3 in the handling device 2 (FIG.7c).

[0090] A process using an installation according to the installation isdescribed below.

[0091] In the example of use described, the motor 13 which drives thecable 12 of the main track 8 runs continuously so that the handlingdevices 2 which are engaged above it on mobiles 16 move at a constantspeed.

[0092] However, this movement may be made at a non-constant speed and/ordiscontinuously by adjusting the speed of the motor 13.

[0093] The use is described for a single handling device 2 related tothe installation; it is understood that these steps are performedcontinuously and in parallel for a large number of handling devices 2 sothat the installation provides for the processing of 500 to 5000 bagsystems 3 simultaneously.

[0094] In a first step, the bag systems 3 are loaded into a handlingdevice 2.

[0095] Accordingly, an area 43 is provided in the installation to whichthe personnel responsible for loading has easy access and in which thehandling device 2 to be loaded cannot be moved.

[0096] Such a loading area 43 may consist of a section of non motorizedtrack on which the handling device 2 moving on the main track 8 isdiverted. The mobile 16 which moves the handling device 2 on the maintrack 8 is disengaged by means of a switching system 11.

[0097] The operator can then load the fixed handling device 2 with thebag systems 3 containing the fluid to be filtered, the said systems 3being placed in a position in which filtration does not occur.

[0098] During this loading, a step to identify the bag systems 3 and/orthe handling device 2 is performed.

[0099] Accordingly, the bag systems 3 and/or the handling device 2 maybe fitted with an electronic device 44 capable of recording and/orgenerating data to monitor the bag system 3 and/or its contents.

[0100] The operator reads the data in the electronic devices 44 using ascanning device, the said scanning device being connected to a controlunit 45 of the installation, consisting of an electronic controller forexample.

[0101] Depending on the data read, the control unit 45 calculates thetime and/or place of storage for the handling device 2 in theinstallation.

[0102] In particular, the data read concerning, in particular, thecontents of the primary bag 34 and the time at which the primary bag wasfilled, that is the time the sample of fluid was taken. In fact, it iswell known that a blood component should be filtered within apre-determined time span after being collected.

[0103] Once loading and identification have been completed, the operatormoves, manually for example, the handling device 2 to a second switchingsystem 11, which allows the said device 2 to be returned to the maintrack 8 by engaging a mobile 16 on the dog point 21 to move it along thesaid track 8.

[0104] In this case, the handling device 2 is moved along the main track8 towards the storage area 9 which has been determined by the controlunit 45 (see FIG. 4).

[0105] When the handling device 2 arrives on the switching system 11 ofthe storage area 9 selected, the control unit 45 activates the saidsystem 11 so that the handling device 2 is diverted to the secondarytrack 9 and the mobile 16 that moves it is disengaged.

[0106] The handling device 2 is now on the secondary track 9, with otherhandling devices 2, waiting to be activated (see FIG. 5).

[0107] It is understood that the control unit 45 adjusts the flow ofhandling devices 2 on the secondary tracks 9 so that they are disengagedin chronological order of activation.

[0108] The activation device 2 is also moved on the secondary storagetrack 9 by the mobiles 16 which engage and disengage on the dog point21.

[0109] In a special example, the motor 13 that drives the cable 12 ofthe secondary tracks 9 is activated discontinuously by the control unit45 and according to storage/removal from storage requirements.

[0110] The removal of storage of the handling device 2 is controlled bythe control unit 45, particularly according to the time elapsed sincesampling.

[0111] As a variant, means for measuring the temperature of the fluid(not shown) are provided in the storage area 9 to trigger removal fromstorage when the temperature of the fluid is within the optimumoperating range of the filtration unit 35.

[0112] The measuring means are, for example, of the infrared type andthe optimum operating range is typically between 18° C. and 22° C. forthe filtration of the whole blood.

[0113] During the removal from storage step, the handling device 2 ismoved to a switching system 11 which enables the said device 2 to bereturned to the main track 8 by engaging a mobile 16 above it to move itto an agitation area 46.

[0114] In a first variant, the bag systems are agitated by a system ofplates 47 operated by jacks 48 so that the bags 34, 36 are pressedalternatively (see FIG. 6).

[0115] In this variant, the handling device 2 is immobilized for exampleon a section of track parallel to the main track 8 and connected to itby switching systems 11. Immobilization is carried out opposite to theplates 47 then the jacks 48 are activated so that the plates 47 aremoved in translation with an oscillating movement, guide means 49 beingprovided to assist such movements. The plates 47 therefore press the bagsystems 3, and particularly the primary bags 34, to put the variouscomponents of the fluid back into suspension.

[0116] The handling device 2 is then moved to an activation area 40 onthe main track 8.

[0117] In a second variant, the agitation area 46 and the activationarea 40 are the same, with agitation being performed by partialactivation of the handling device 2.

[0118] In the activation area 40, the device 2 is immobilized forexample on a section of track parallel to the main track 8 and connectedto it by switching systems 11. Immobilization is Carried out opposite tothe first and second jacks 38, 39, which activate it as described above.

[0119] In the second variant and prior to complete activation, partialand alternating activation is performed to return the components of thefluid into suspension.

[0120] Accordingly, the jacks 38, 39 are of the double-acting type toensure that the bag systems 3 are turned over partially several times,for example between the initial position and half the distance D, andvice versa.

[0121] Such partial activation should be performed over a distance sothat the fluid does not enter the filtration unit 35 to avoid the startof filtration.

[0122] Once agitation and activation are complete, the handling device 2is moved along the main track 8 to a secondary track 9 to be stored forthe time required for the filtration of almost all the fluid.

[0123] Where the filtration time is short and/or the time for movementfrom the activation area 40 to the unloading area 50 is long, the secondstorage area may not be provided so that filtration takes place alongthe main track 8.

[0124] When the second storage area is provided, it may be fitted withmeans to detect the completion of filtration (not shown) which sincethey are connected to the control unit 45, control the exit of thedevice 2 from the second storage area. The device 2 is then moved alongthe main track 8 towards the unloading area 50.

[0125] In addition, these determination means may be used to detect anyproblems during filtration, for example filtration that is too quick ortoo slow.

[0126] These determination means are, for example, of the optical typeto detect the presence or absence of fluid in the tube 37 or to measurethe thickness of bags 34, 36.

[0127] Once filtration is complete, the handling device 2 is moved tothe unloading area 50 which, in the embodiment shown in the figures, isthe same as the loading area 43.

[0128] The operator removes the bag systems 3 from the handling device 2so that the filtered fluid may be used in a conventional way.

[0129] During this unloading step, the operator may also write data intothe electronic device 44 of the bag systems 3 and/or the handling device2.

[0130] These different steps consisting in reading writing data ensurethe traceability of the fluids treated, in particular, all data may bestored in a central unit connected to the control unit 45 of theinstallation to retain a trace of all operations performed.

[0131] In addition, the succession of operating steps and the managementof the flow of handling devices 2 are performed automatically by thecontrol unit 45 as a function of such data.

1. An automatic handling process for at least one bag system (3) in aninstallation; the said bag system (3) comprising at least one primarybag (34) containing a fluid, particularly a body fluid, for exampleblood or a blood component, at least one filtration unit (35) and atleast one secondary bag (36) to collect the filtrate, the said processcomprising the following steps: loading at least one bag system (3) intoa handling device (2), the said bag system (3) being in a position suchthat filtration does not occur; automatic activation of the handlingdevice (2) so that the bag system (3) is moved to a position in whichthe fluid flows from the primary bag (34) to the secondary bag (36)passing through the filtration unit (35), to filter the fluid at apre-determined time; unloading the bag system (3) in the handling device(2) when the filtrate has been collected in the secondary bag (36).
 2. Aprocess according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes prior tothe activation of the handling device (2), a step for the storage of thebag system (3) associated with the said handling device (2) for apre-determined time.
 3. A process according to claim 2, characterized inthat storage is performed by transferring the bag system (3) associatedwith the said handling device (2) to a first storage area (9).
 4. Aprocess according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that thestep of activating the handling device (2) is preceded by a step ofagitation of the contents of the bag system (3) and, in particular, theprimary bag (34).
 5. A process according to claim 4, characterized inthat the agitation step is performed by partial activation of thehandling device (2).
 6. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 5,characterized in that it includes, after activation of the handlingdevice (2), a step of storing the bag system (3) associated with thesaid handling device (2) for the time required to filter almost all thefluid.
 7. A process according to claim 6, characterized in that thestorage step is performed by transferring the bag system (3) associatedwith the said handling device (2) to a second storage area (9).
 8. Aprocess according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the end of thestorage step is controlled by means that detect the end of filtration.9. A process according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized inthat it further includes one or more steps of identification of the bagsystem (3) and/or the handling device (2) in the installation.
 10. Aprocess according to claim 9, characterized in that the identificationstep includes the reading and/or recording of data concerning thehandling device (2), the bag system (3), the contents of the primary bag(34) and the personnel that used the bag system (3).
 11. A processaccording to claim 10, characterized in that the data are stored in anelectronic device (44) associated with the handling device (2) and/orthe bag system (3).
 12. A process according to claims 10 or 11,characterized in that the series of different steps is controlled as afunction of the data read during the identification step.
 13. A processaccording to claims 10 to 12, characterized in that an identificationstep is performed during the loading of the bag system (3) into theinstallation to read the data concerning the contents of the primary bag(34) in particular.
 14. A process according to claim 13, characterizedin that the time of activation of the handling device (2) is controlledas a function of data read during the identification step and, inparticular, the time of sampling.
 15. A process according to claim 14,characterized in that the operation of the handling device (2) is alsocontrolled as a function of the temperature of the fluid to be filtered16. A process according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized inthat an identification step is performed during unloading of the bagsystem (3) to record data concerning filtration.
 17. A process accordingto any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a large number ofbag systems (3) is handled in the same handling device (2), for examplebetween 10 and 30 bag systems (3).
 18. A process according to any one ofclaims 1 to 17, characterized in that a large number of bag systems (3)is handled in the same handling device (2) at the same time, for examplebetween 500 and 5000 bag systems (3).
 19. An installation for theimplementation of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 18,characterized in that it includes: a handling device (2) capable ofhandling at least one bag system (3), means of activation (38, 39)capable of activating the handling device (2) from a position in whichthe fluid in the associated bag system (3) is not filtered to a positionin which filtration occurs; an area (43) for loading the bag system (3)into the handling device (2); an area (50) for unloading the bag system(3) associated with the handling device (2); an area (40) for activatingthe handling device (2) in which the activation means (38, 39) areprovided; the said installation comprising at least one, main, motorizedrunning track (8) along which the handling device (2) is moved from theloading area (43) to the unloading area (50) via the activation area(40) and at least one unit (45) to control the movements of the handlingdevice (2) in the installation.
 20. An installation according to claim19, characterized in that the loading area (43) and the unloading area(50) are the same.
 21. An installation according to claim 19 or 20,characterized in that it includes a first and second storage areas inwhich the bag system (3) associated with the handling device (2) isstored before and after filtration respectively.
 22. An installationaccording to claim 21, characterized in that the storage areas consistof at least one section of secondary, motorized running track (9). 23.An installation according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterizedin that it includes an agitation area (46) for the contents of the bagsystem (3), the said agitation area (46) being fitted with agitationmeans.
 24. An installation according to claim 23, characterized in thatthe agitation area (46) is identical to the activation area (40) of thehandling device (2), where the activation means (38, 39) also form theagitation means.
 25. An installation according to any one of claims 19to 24, characterized in that it includes means for detecting thecompletion of filtration, the said detection means being connected tothe control unit (45).
 26. An installation according to any one ofclaims 19 to 25, characterized in that it includes means to identify thebag system (3) and/or the handling device (2) capable of reading and/orwriting data from/into an electronic device (44) associated with thesaid bag system (3) and/or handling system (2), the said means ofidentification being connected to the control unit (45).
 27. Aninstallation according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized inthat it includes means for measuring the temperature of the fluid to befiltered, the said measuring means being connected to the control unit(45).